Malawians urged to take Bilharzia drugs

People in the country have been advised not to miss the Bilharzia mass drug administration campaign.

Spokesperson in the ministry of health Adrian Chikumbe told the local media that the bilharzia mass drug administration campaign is set to roll out this coming Monday, July 10.

Chikumbe: Bilharzia is a painful disease

According to Chikumbe, in the countrywide campaign the ministry is targeting over 7 million Malawians.

The bilharzia disease is said to be rampant in areas which are close to lakes or rivers.

Chikumbe said the disease is so painful and if not treated it costs a person’s life hence the need to take the drugs through this campaign.

Bilharzia is also known as snail fever and it is caused by parasitic flatworms called schistosomes which attacks the urinary tract or the intestines. Signs and symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, bloody stool, or blood in the urine.